Ex-Ohio Congressman Freed from Prison

Former Ohio Congressman James Traficant is out of prison after serving seven years for bribery and racketeering. The colorful nine-term Democrat from Youngstown left a federal prison hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, this morning. Wearing a gray T-shirt, white shorts and white knee-high socks, Traficant didn’t respond to reporters’ questions before riding off in a cab. The 68-year-old now faces three years’ probation. Some people in Youngstown have planned a welcoming party with a suggested dress code of skinny ties, denim suits and bell-bottom pants — all part of Traficant’s quirky style. A former staffer who has talked with Traficant’s wife says the ex-lawmaker planned to take a short vacation after his release.